Sambalpuri Din: Know The Rich Cultural Past Behind The Day

Bhubaneswar/Sambalpur: Sambalpuri art and culture will be showcased in the state capital to celebrate Sambalpuri Din (Day) on August 1 (Thursday).

A special function is being organised at the Idcol auditorium.in Bhubaneswar on the special day, which marks the birth anniversary of Sambalpuri poet Guru Satnarayan Bohidar.

Satyanarayan Bohidar is known as the pioneer of Sambalpuri language and grammar, according to Bhabani Shankara Bhoi, convener of Paschima Anchal Ekta Manch. The poet was born on August 1, 1913 at Sonepur.

“In 2013, on his 100^th birth anniversary, we decided to celebrate the day as Sambalpuri Day. Most of the people of the region wear traditional Sambalpuri dress on this day,” informed Bhoi.

“Bohidar spread the art and culture of Sambalpur. So to honour him, we will be holding cultural events like dance, song, play, food and costumes,” Bhoi added.

Bohidar was born in Sonepur. But his creative years were spent in Sambalpur, where he was brought by his aunt after the death of his mother. Bohidar completed his studies in Samablpur and then started his professional career as a teacher from Baragarh.

He was a student in Sambalpur Zilla School and later a teacher in the same school. His first literary piece was published when he was in Class-X. It is believed that he laid the foundation of Sambalpur literature, said Bhoi.

He used to encourage other people and his students to write in Sambalpuri language. Many people consider Satyanarayan Bohidar as their Guru. He had also inspired Ranjit Nath for Sambalpuri dance. Satyanarayan Bohidar played an important role in spreading Sambalpuri art and culture.

“We request all the Sambalpur people to wear Sambalpuri dress. You can see thousands of people here in Sambalpuri dress on Sambalpuri Dibas,” said Bhoi. Many people also distribute free food in Sambalpur on this day.

Bohidar had also prepared a dictionary and grammar in Sambalpuri language. He is the author of ‘Kosali Bhasakosh’. His works also include Tik Chahnra (1975), Ghavghavo, Ghuvkudu and many more. He wrote all these books in Kosali or Sambalpuri language besides many poems. One can sense patriotism and love for Sambalpuri culture in his poems, said Bhoi. He gave a unique identity to Sambalpuri literature, he added.

Satya Narayan Bohidar died on December 31, 1980.

Paschima Anchal Ekta Manch members in Bhubaneswar will celebrate Sambalpuri Day in the Odisa capital for the first time. The organiser has requested people to come the event wearing Sambalpuri dress. Sambalpuri dances and songs will be performed on the occasion.